Chapter 8: Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus
8.1 Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus
The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for the prohibition of tobacco use and smoke products on the campus of the University. This policy applies to all tobacco products.
The University encourages students, faculty and staff to support and use available tobacco cessation programs.
8.1.2 Policy. The use of tobacco products (including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco or all other tobacco products) as well as smoking or use of any smoking device, by students, faculty, staff, and visitors is prohibited at all times on University Property. In doing so all areas of the University are designated as “Tobacco and Smoke-Free Areas” in this Policy.
8.1.3 Definitions.8.1.3.1 University Property is defined as both interior and exterior space within the boundaries of all University owned, leased, operated, occupied, or controlled property and University campuses, including yet not limited to, all enclosed or partially enclosed areas such as walkways, breezeways and bus shelters, sidewalks, parking lots, and parking structures, whether attached or unattached. For purposes of this policy, University Property also includes all University vehicles including buses, vans, and all other University vehicles, whether leased or owned, and all indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, as well as the grandstands of outdoor facilities.
University Property does not include personal vehicles, provided that: 1) the windows are closed, 2) all tobacco waste products are properly disposed of, and 3) there is no prohibition under the terms of a grant or sponsored research (including CPRIT) requirements.
8.1.3.2 University Tobacco and Smoke-Free Areas are defined as all University Property (as defined above).
8.1.3.2.1 Tobacco and Smoke-Free Areas apply throughout the University Property, including all grounds, sidewalks, parking areas, structures, and buildings, whether or not signs are posted. No ashtrays or smoking shelters will be provided on University Property as it is in its entirety all designated as a University Tobacco and Smoke-Free Area.
8.1.4 Advertising and Sales. The University prohibits the advertising, sale, or free sampling of tobacco products, smoking and/or smoking devices on campus.
8.1.5 Littering. Littering the campus with remains of tobacco products or any other disposable product is prohibited.
8.1.6 Public Events. Organizers and attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events, cultural events and sporting events using University facilities will be required to abide by the Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy.
8.1.7 Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Programs. The University is committed to support all students and employees who wish to stop smoking and/or using tobacco products. Assistance to students, faculty, and staff to overcome addiction to smoking and tobacco products is available through Human Resources and Student Health Services. Referrals to cessation services are encouraged.
8.1.8 Compliance. Adherence to the policy cited above is the responsibility of all University students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors. It is expected that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus comply with this policy. Members of our campus community are empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy in an ongoing effort to enhance awareness and encourage a culture of compliance.
8.1.9 Exceptions to Policy. Tobacco use may be permitted under the limited circumstance of research involving tobacco or tobacco products, provided the University employee obtains prior approval of the Chief of Staff and the Vice President of Research, and a waiver is requested and granted in accordance with sponsored research and requirements, if any. Smoke, like any other laboratory contaminant, shall be controlled. The designs for designated laboratories must be approved by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
8.1.10 Enforcement. An individual who feels that there has been a violation of this procedure may invoke the following actions:
- The individual should attempt to resolve the problem informally by requesting that the individual comply with the policy.
- If direct appeal fails and the behavior persists, the individual should contact the Office of Human Resources or Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs for referral to the appropriate administrative official.
- Repeat offenses by the same person shall be dealt with through already established administrative/disciplinary policies and procedures.
- Violations could result in referral to the appropriate University officials for disciplinary action in accordance with established student, staff, and/or faculty codes of conduct and procedures.